A time of Advent reflection

The Spirit of the LORD God has taken control of me!
The LORD has chosen and sent me to tell the oppressed the good news,
To heal the brokenhearted, and to announce freedom for prisoners and captives.
This is the year when the LORD God will show kindness to us and punish our enemies.
Isaiah 61: 1-2

Reflect on the word COMPASSION for a few moments.

In worn and threadbare clothes he shuffled his way along the busy street. Sometimes he’d pause to gaze at a brightly decorated shop window. He’d shuffle quickly past people dressed in designer clothes. Sometimes he’d stop and look into the lifeless eyes of figures in an illuminated nativity scene. The holiday season meant nothing to him. The slogans “goodwill” “peace on earth” “have a merry Christmas” floated past him unheard. The holidays were to be endured before the streets came back to normal. Like a bent reed he stumbles in silence along the brightly lighted streets, and disappears into anonymity.

Why is it so hard to respond when people blend into the anonymity of hopelessness? What can we do to help? Perhaps we feel sorry when we watch a news item on TV and look into the eyes of displaced people, especially the eyes of children. Does it prompt us to send a contribution to one of the agencies doing relief work? Do our feelings of compassion evaporate when we get caught up in daily routines?

I remember reading somewhere that there is grace in compassion. I need to think about that. Perhaps God is asking me to show compassion as a gift I can offer to those I know who need my help. I wish I knew what to do.

God of Caring and Compassion, touch me and show me your compassion that I may learn to care.

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© Ranjini Wickramaratne-Rebera

For a number of years, our dear friend Ranjini Rebera wrote Biblical reflections for the use of Gungahlin Uniting Church and others, usually for Advent and Lent. We were privileged to receive these, as Ranjini had a working history of writing and teaching on a global stage. Each time she completed the considerable work on one of these studies for us she would announce firmly, ‘That’s it. That is the last one I’m writing. No more. End of story!’ But as Advent or Lent came around again she would start hinting that she’d had an idea for a reflection – and she would write another one.

When she completed a Reflection for Lent 2021, we were not to know that this really was the last one. Ranjini died on 13 October 2021. We miss her intellect, her leadership, her vivid personality, her artistic gifts, her deep faith and her pastoral heart. We have lost some colour from our world.

The Gungahlin Uniting Church Worship Team, where Ranjini served for several years, offers Ranjini’s study material, first produced in 2015, as we give thanks for her life shared among us.

Our God has given us a mighty Savior
From the family of David his servant.
Long ago the Lord promised by the words of his holy prophets
To save us from our enemies and from everyone who hates us.
God said he would be kind to our people and keep his sacred promise.
He told our ancestor Abraham that he would rescue us from our enemies.
Then we could serve him without fear, by being holy and good as long as we live.
Luke 1: 69-75

Reflect on the word PROMISES for a few moments.

How often do we look back and recall the “good old days”!

As people of ancient times waited for the birth of a Messiah they looked back and wondered if it would occur in their lifetime. Would God honour the promise of a Saviour made to the Jews?

When I recall childhood promises I sometimes wonder if they did come true. Have I replaced them with new promises believing that I can do better now? I wonder how often I’ve forgotten obligations attached to promises I’ve made. Do ‘sacred’ promises still take place or is it another memory from the good old days?

I read of promises God made to save and protect those who were called “his people” and to those who had faith in him. Are there parallels in our time, when God makes promises to rescue us from our enemies, to heal our world so we can live without fear? Or, am I asking the wrong questions or looking in the wrong direction for answers?

Holy God may I accept and honour your promises as long as I live.

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© Ranjini Wickramaratne-Rebera

For a number of years, our dear friend Ranjini Rebera wrote Biblical reflections for the use of Gungahlin Uniting Church and others, usually for Advent and Lent. We were privileged to receive these, as Ranjini had a working history of writing and teaching on a global stage. Each time she completed the considerable work on one of these studies for us she would announce firmly, ‘That’s it. That is the last one I’m writing. No more. End of story!’ But as Advent or Lent came around again she would start hinting that she’d had an idea for a reflection – and she would write another one.

When she completed a Reflection for Lent 2021, we were not to know that this really was the last one. Ranjini died on 13 October 2021. We miss her intellect, her leadership, her vivid personality, her artistic gifts, her deep faith and her pastoral heart. We have lost some colour from our world.

The Gungahlin Uniting Church Worship Team, where Ranjini served for several years, offers Ranjini’s study material, first produced in 2015, as we give thanks for her life shared among us.

God cannot tell lies! And so his promises and vows are two things that can never be changed. We have run to God for safety. Now his promises should greatly encourage us to take hold of the hope that is right in front of us. This hope is like a firm and steady anchor for our souls. In fact, hope reaches behind the curtain and into the most holy place.
Hebrews 6: 18-19

Reflect on the word HOPE for a few moments.

“I so hope it won’t rain!” “Hopefully we’ll find a space to park” “Let’s hope we have sufficient food for everyone” “I hope God will heal me soon” “Be careful what you hope for!” and so the list goes on. Hope slips easily into wishful thinking.

What do we hope for in today’s world without borders? Where is hope found by?
Thousands fleeing their homelands to be safe?
Asylum seekers outside island nations which are protected by fences?
A mother and child squatting on an unsafe boat carrying them away?
The wage earner made redundant in the name of economic rationalisation?
A family grieving for their teenage child killed in a drug-induced brawl?
A person who is diagnosed with a terminal illness?

Where do we find hope in times of depression, uncertainty, fear, feeling lost or when we get disturbing news? Does it become a distant dream, wishful anticipation or an achievable reality?

God can be trusted. This is the basis for hope. God is faithful and encourages us to reach out to the hope that is often within our reach, but that we do not see.

Lord All-Powerful, I need to know you through your presence in my life that gives me hope when I am in need.

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© Ranjini Wickramaratne-Rebera

For a number of years, our dear friend Ranjini Rebera wrote Biblical reflections for the use of Gungahlin Uniting Church and others, usually for Advent and Lent. We were privileged to receive these, as Ranjini had a working history of writing and teaching on a global stage. Each time she completed the considerable work on one of these studies for us she would announce firmly, ‘That’s it. That is the last one I’m writing. No more. End of story!’ But as Advent or Lent came around again she would start hinting that she’d had an idea for a reflection – and she would write another one.

When she completed a Reflection for Lent 2021, we were not to know that this really was the last one. Ranjini died on 13 October 2021. We miss her intellect, her leadership, her vivid personality, her artistic gifts, her deep faith and her pastoral heart. We have lost some colour from our world.

The Gungahlin Uniting Church Worship Team, where Ranjini served for several years, offers Ranjini’s study material, first produced in 2015, as we give thanks for her life shared among us.

Then I said: listen every one of you in the royal family of David. You have already tried my patience. Now you are trying God’s patience by refusing to ask for proof. But the LORD will still give you proof. A virgin is pregnant; she will have a son and will name him Immanuel. Even before the boy is old enough to know how to choose between right and wrong he will eat yogurt and honey and the countries of the two kings you fear will be destroyed.
Isaiah 7: 13-16

Reflect on the word IDENTITY for a few moments.

The courteous attendant at the desk greeted him.
“Good evening, sir! How may I help you?”
“Good evening! I’d like a room for three nights please.”
“Certainly sir! Could you please fill this form for me? And if you would, could you please give me your credit card so I can complete your check-in?”
“I am sorry, but I don’t use credit cards. I will pay in cash.”
“Oh! Well, sir, then may I see some identification? A driver’s license, perhaps? Or an identity card?”
“I don’t drive. We just got in on the Inter-State bus. Don’t you believe me when I say that I will settle my account with cash before I leave?”
“Well Sir, I am sorry but the Management does require proof of identity if you don’t have any credit cards or acceptable identification. Perhaps a smaller motel may accommodate you. I am sorry sir.”
The Attendant looked across at the next customer.
“Good evening sir! How may I help you?”

No one paid much attention to the man as he walked out into the street with his pregnant wife beside him. No one offered to help them.

Proving our identity is normal in our technologically savvy society. When God offers us proof of identity do we continue to ask for more proof?

You never question my identity, God. You never ask for proof of who I am. I accept and celebrate your presence.

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© Ranjini Wickramaratne-Rebera

For a number of years, our dear friend Ranjini Rebera wrote Biblical reflections for the use of Gungahlin Uniting Church and others, usually for Advent and Lent. We were privileged to receive these, as Ranjini had a working history of writing and teaching on a global stage. Each time she completed the considerable work on one of these studies for us she would announce firmly, ‘That’s it. That is the last one I’m writing. No more. End of story!’ But as Advent or Lent came around again she would start hinting that she’d had an idea for a reflection – and she would write another one.

When she completed a Reflection for Lent 2021, we were not to know that this really was the last one. Ranjini died on 13 October 2021. We miss her intellect, her leadership, her vivid personality, her artistic gifts, her deep faith and her pastoral heart. We have lost some colour from our world.

The Gungahlin Uniting Church Worship Team, where Ranjini served for several years, offers Ranjini’s study material, first produced in 2015, as we give thanks for her life shared among us.

I love you, LORD God and you make me strong.
You are my mighty rock, my fortress, my protector,
The rock where I am safe, my shield,
My powerful weapon, and my place of shelter.
Psalm 18: 1-2

You are the living LORD! I will praise you.
You are a mighty rock.
I will honor you for keeping me safe.
Psalm 18: 46

Reflect on the word ROCK for a few moments.

A rock brings many memories to mind:

I remember little rocks on the edge of the school playground; the stinging pain when one was thrown at me; the rocks over which I tripped when camping in summer and the bruises that needed band aids when I was pushed.

Years later I learned to see rocks differently. I now know that rocks contain a beauty of their own. The minerals and the energy that live in them are essential to the environment. They give balance to the ecology and provide a place of safety for many creatures in forests and waterways. They are an integral part of Planet Earth.

My childhood perceptions of God have changed. Knowledge gives me strength. Yet sometimes I wonder if I understand and honour God as an adult should, or is it with the lingering perceptions of a child.

God of Strength and Energy, you are sometimes referred to as a Rock and a Refuge. I pray that I will remember to “honour you for keeping me safe.”

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© Ranjini Wickramaratne-Rebera

For a number of years, our dear friend Ranjini Rebera wrote Biblical reflections for the use of Gungahlin Uniting Church and others, usually for Advent and Lent. We were privileged to receive these, as Ranjini had a working history of writing and teaching on a global stage. Each time she completed the considerable work on one of these studies for us she would announce firmly, ‘That’s it. That is the last one I’m writing. No more. End of story!’ But as Advent or Lent came around again she would start hinting that she’d had an idea for a reflection – and she would write another one.

When she completed a Reflection for Lent 2021, we were not to know that this really was the last one. Ranjini died on 13 October 2021. We miss her intellect, her leadership, her vivid personality, her artistic gifts, her deep faith and her pastoral heart. We have lost some colour from our world.

The Gungahlin Uniting Church Worship Team, where Ranjini served for several years, offers Ranjini’s study material, first produced in 2015, as we give thanks for her life shared among us.